Stacey is part of a bumper crop of babies who were the fourth or more child in their families last year. There were 2,118 such babies born last year, the largest number in the five-year period from 2013.

Nevertheless, friends and family were surprised by and even critical of the Ongs’ decision to have such a big family.

Even her parents disapproved, said Mrs Ong.

“I think they just felt that I would have it very tough as a mum to four children,” she said.

But the couple felt that having four children just came naturally to them.

“We did time them apart, and none of them was a surprise. Whenever we felt like things had settled down with each kid, we would start planning for the next,” said Mrs Ong.

Unlike her friends, who said they “just can’t deal with having so many children in a house”, Mrs Ong is content. “We don’t see them as a burden; they go everywhere we go, and it is not like I have to leave them alone to get some time to myself.”

All her children are home-schooled, and the flexible schedule has helped her keep expenditures low, said Mrs Ong.

For example, she can take advantage of weekday discounts when she takes them on outings.